Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra vs Qidi Q1 Pro
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra ($299, RESIN) and Qidi Q1 Pro ($449, FDM) use fundamentally different technologies. FDM melts filament layer by layer; resin cures liquid with UV light. Here's how they stack up.
Our Verdict
It's a dead heat, both score 8/10 overall. The Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra wins in Value, Print Quality, Reliability, while the Qidi Q1 Pro takes Beginner Friendliness, Speed. Pick based on which strengths matter more to you.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra | Qidi Q1 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | $449 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 218 x 123 x 260 mm | 245 x 245 x 240 mm |
| Print Speed | 150 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.1 mm |
| Weight | 10.5 kg | 20.3 kg |
| Overall Score | 8/10 | 8/10 |
Pros & Cons
Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra
+218x123mm plate holds a full 10-model squad in one run at 12K resolution
+Tilt release on a plate this size dramatically reduces FEP tears
+Terrain, dungeon tiles, and large busts all fit without splitting
+150mm/hr speed is faster than most competitors at this plate size
−A full plate run goes through resin fast: budget for 500ml+ per session
−Post-processing for a full plate takes the better part of an hour
−At $299, you're also spending $80-120 on a wash and cure station before you can print anything
Qidi Q1 Pro
+60C chamber heating: ABS, nylon, and PC without warping
+350C hotend handles every engineering filament you'll throw at it
+WiFi 6, 1080p monitoring, timelapse built in
+Printing within 10 minutes of unboxing
−Exposed heater is a genuine safety concern, not just a nitpick
−Casing feels cheaper than the spec sheet suggests
−Klipper fork firmware needs work
−Thin material profiles out of the box
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra if you want:
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for large-prints
- 12K mono LCD
- Tilt release
- Air purifier
Choose the Qidi Q1 Pro if you want:
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for professional
- A great printer for precision
- Enclosed CoreXY with 60C heated chamber
- 350C tri-metal hotend
- WiFi 6 + LAN connectivity
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra better than the Qidi Q1 Pro?
They tie at 8/10. The Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra suits resin and miniatures, while the Qidi Q1 Pro is aimed at enclosed and professional.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra or Qidi Q1 Pro?
The Qidi Q1 Pro is more beginner-friendly (7/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Qidi Q1 Pro worth $150 more than the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra?
The Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra actually scores higher (8/10) despite costing $150 less. The Qidi Q1 Pro only makes sense if you specifically need enclosed.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra and Qidi Q1 Pro?
Technology: the Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra is RESIN (filament) and the Qidi Q1 Pro is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.